Bangkok, 7 September, 2016 – Thailand’s Prime Minister recently thanked the tourists from the People’s Republic of China for choosing Thailand as a holiday destination and for making up the largest numbers of visitors to the kingdom over the last few years.

The remarks from Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha were made during his meeting with Mr. Xi Jin Ping, President of the People’s Republic of China, at the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit. The two leaders were discussing communication and transportation links between Thailand and China.

*Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha (left) and President of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xi Jin Ping (right)

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “The Chinese market has totally transformed tourism in Thailand with around 5.8 million visitors having already visited Thailand between January and July of 2016. We are pleased that our Chinese neighbours take so much delight in the sights, wonders and natural attractions of our kingdom and appreciate the innate hospitality of the Thai people who welcome them so warmly.”

China is Thailand’s leading source market and its fastest growing. In 2015, Thailand attracted 7.9 million Chinese visitors, generating over 376 billion Baht in revenue, up respectively 71 percent and 87 percent over 2014.

This year, from January to July, Chinese visitors to Thailand totalled 5,764,839, or a year-on-year increase of 20.54 percent. TAT is projecting to welcome about 10.5 million Chinese visitors with a projected expenditure of 509 billion Baht for the entire 2016.